A Terrific Year of Sheltering

Working in a humane shelter is hard work.  The staff who work in an animal shelter do so because they care about the animals.  We try to be up front with everyone we deal with so that it is understood that we will provide the best care possible.

2013 was full of positive changes that will make caring for our animals that much easier.  The big news was our building addition.  We added three rooms:  cat intake to house more cats, a multipurpose room for training and behavior modification; and a surgery room for in house spay and neuter.

Even though the addition was completed in August of 2013, we have already seen a positive change in our statistics.  In regard to the cats, we have adopted out 11 % more, have returned to the owner 26% more cats, and we have reduced our euthanasia rates by 33%!  Now those are some happy statistics. 

Our multipurpose room has helped with dog training making the dogs more adoptable and thereby reducing their length of stay.  Our public dog training classes have helped owners who might otherwise surrender their pet due to poor behavior.

We have finally hired a veterinarian who will perform spaying and neutering at the shelters.  This will help reduce the stress for the animals of having to transport them to unfamiliar places.  (And we all know how much cats like car rides!)

We look forward to 2014 and helping more animals find homes  and helping those animals that are in homes-stay there.

Resolve to Train

The Lycoming County SPCA has hired Tracy Free to provide in house dog training, behavior evaluations, behavior modification, one-on-one classes, and a monthly class on various topics.  Unless you are very knowledgeable about your breed of dog, a dog training class is a must.  Training benefits both you and your dog and helps prevent mishaps that might cause you to relinquish your dog.

The first two years of a dog's life are equivalent to baby, toddler, teenager years in a human.  And you know how difficult those teenage years can be! 

Our very first free class will be Monday, February 3 at 5:30 PM.  Tracy will have a question and answer session for people who want to know how to deal with some behavior issues.  It's a great opportunity to meet Tracy and gain valuable information about your dog.  And what could be better?  Is is free!

Merry Christmas

We wish you a pawfercetly wonderful holiday season full of warm, snuggly lap sitters, lip lickers, and snugglers.  Enjoy the holiday season with your 2 legged and 4 legged companions.

Merry Christmas!!!!

Training Classes as Gifts

Do you know someone that adopted a new dog?  Give a  gift of obedience classes.   A well trained dog is more likely to stay in a home, and both the owner and the dog will be less stressed.  The Lycoming County SPCA will have 2 classes beginning on January 9 and 10 for puppies and adult dogs.  Each class starts at 5:30 PM at the SPCA and if that class fills there will be another at 6:30 PM. 

 

What a Great Day!

Sabbith was adopted today.  He came to the shelter on March 7th and has been here a little more than 9 months.  He finally found the perfect family.  They love to hike and swim and so does Sabbith.   He will spend Christmas with his new family.  We are thrilled!!! 

We have one more long timer to find a home for and maybe you know the perfect family.  Classie is deaf but we  have a vibrating collar to train her to 'listen' to her family.  She is being overlooked because she is mixed with pit bull.  So if you know of a low key family with adults in the home, tell them about Classie.  She has already spent a year at our shelter.  She should be in a home for the holidays.  Pass it on.....

Pets as Gifts

Normally, I don't recommend pets as gifts unless the recipient can choose the pet.  However, if the gift giver is a parent to a child, and the parent understands that they will be responsible for the pet's care-then it is OK.  Gift certificates are OK too.

The down time from school around the Christmas Holidays is actually a good time to get a pet accommodated to a new home as long as there aren't a lot of comings and goings and hustle and bustle.

The day after Christmas is a good time then you will have an entire week before the New Year to get a new pet accustomed to the home.

And don't forget the accessories.  Cats need a litter pan, litter, food and water bowls, toys, a brush, and lots of love.

If you really want to simplify your life; you should really get a crate for a new dog whether it is a puppy or adult.  And the number 2 thing you should get is obedience clauses.  along with bowls, food, leash, collar and harness, toys, dog license, brush, nail clippers, and a bed or blanket. 

So if a gift of a pet is in your future, keep in mind that it is a big adjustment for you and your family as well as the animal.  In the end you will be glad you adopted Becka's animals give unconditional love!

The Best Gift!

I received the best gift today.  An SPCA member called to compliment us on our newsletter and how much she enjoys the adoption stories.  She also went on to say how much she likes our calendar and looks forward to its arrival in the mail.  The caller went on to say that she thought we did a great job and she appreciates everything the SPCA does for the animals.

Her comments really made me smile.  It is so rewarding to have ones efforts appreciated and I know that the staff works hard and it shows.

So I will pay it forward and give a compliment to someone who I notice is doing a good job.  It is a great gift and will only cost a little time.